Weight, Fredrick (son of James Weight, born Feb. 28, 1788
Bowbridge, Stroud, England, and Ann Foukes, born June 24, 1791 Boxam, Wiltshire, England).
He was born June 18, 1828 Stroud, near Bristol, Eng. Came to Utah September 15, 18
Captain Howell Company.

High Priest; member of the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir; chorister at Springville 25
years and organist for many years. Played in first brass band at Salt Lake City. Drum
major in Nauvoo Legion (in Utah). One of the first members of Salt Lake Theatrical company. Home
guard in Black Hawk Indian war. Died Dec 15, 1901

I, Fredrick Weight, am the son of poor but honest parents, having been born in
Glostershire, England, in Stroud, on the 18th day of June, 1828. My register is to be
found in the Old Church of that town. My father was James and my
mother, Ann Foukes Weight. My father was a blacksmith by trade and was blessed with six
children, I being the third son of the family. My family moved to the town of Cirencister
in Glostershire when I was about four or five years of age.

One time my two elder brothers and I were crossing a field when a bull came running
after us at full speed. I, being the youngest, could not run as fast as the others and the
bull was gaining on me. There was a gate about four feet high in front of me and the bull
about eighteen feet behind me. My brothers were yelling to me to run and get "over
the fence" as fast as I could. I jumped over the gate and fell on my head on the
other side and was saved. I never crossed that field again.

My father, with his family, moved to Cheltenham where I was sent to
infant school. I
was then about five years of age and remained at this school until I was eight. I was the
leading singer in this school and was set to teach small classes, as I was a favorite with
the School Master. This was the only schooling I ever had. Here I learned to read and to
sing. The scriptures were read to us and I got a good understanding of the Bible and its
contents, which has been very useful to me throughout my life.

At the age of ten I started to work as a mason tender, making mortar, carrying bricks
and the like. I was paid three shillings per week, which I gave to my mother and thought I
was doing great things.

After this I worked with a plasterer and learned that trade. The
man for whom I worked, was a drunkard and could not work well unless he had liquor in him.
His name was William Crocker, who was a good workman but must always drink. One time he
had me make up a ton of lime into mortar for the small sum of sixpence, which is about
twelve cents, decidedly taking advantage of me.

I then went to work as an errand boy for a Doctor, and stayed with him for about three
years. I learned many useful things about drugs and medicines, making pills of all kinds.
I was also called upon to hold the head when he extracted teeth, and many other things. I
lived with this old doctor, whose name was Dr. Austin, until his death. He was buried in
St. Phillips Churchyard in the parish of St. Phillips and Jacobs, in the city of
Bristol,
Old England. His housekeeper, Mrs. Taylor, took his death so hard that she took poison and
died; however, I left before this took place.

I then went to work at a Gentleman's house
and did general work, for which I received one shilling per day plus my supper. I remained
here for about one year, then went to work in a tobacco
factory. I received nine shillings
per week, but the work was very hard, so hard that I could not stand it. I became poor and
thin and got sick, which was the reason I left.

Soon after this I went to work at the Iron works with my father and worked with him for
seven years in the same shop. Here I became acquainted with making all sorts of machinery,
steam engines and ice. I worked a very large planeing machine, and could plane large Bed
Plates, some weighing as much as eighteen to twenty ton. I could also plane anything as
small as one pound in weight. I received thirteen shillings per week and my wages
increased to thirty before I left.

About this time I became acquainted with a young lady by the name of Charlotte Burgum,
whose company I kept for about five years, and whom I later married. I had many happy days
during my courtship, and strange to say, I saw my "intended" as much as six
times a day, as I passed up and down to my work, her home being on the way, and I looked
through the window as I passed.

I will now say a word regarding music. About this time my brothers and I attended
concerts and participated and practiced music together. We purchased instruments in order
that we might play together as a four part ensemble, I taking the bass, my brother Martin,
the treble, Alfred the alto, and James, the tenor. We played and sang at concerts, music
meetings, and public concerts. My sisters, Athaliah and Amelia, also sang with us. also a
young man by the name of William Lodge, a tenor singer.

I would work ten hours every day
and practice from one to three hours. I arose at 4:00 A. M. and practiced for two hours,
then went to my work at 6:00, practiced thirty minutes at noon, leaving just thirty
minutes in which to eat my dinner. Then I went back to work until 5:30, and after
returning home, I ate my supper, fixed to go to my music meetings, to which I walked four
miles - four miles there, and four miles back, twice weekly, making a distance of sixteen
miles every week of walking after having worked ten hours each day at the factory. I kept
this up for three or four years, carrying my violin-cello under my arm all the way there
and back.

I was very religious as far back as I can remember, being a member of a religious sect
called the Independents, which I joined at the age of 15, along with my
"intended", where we both partook of the sacrament.

When I was very small I attended Sunday School and meetings with my mother, under her
cloak, and grew up in the religion of the day.

I once ran three miles after working hard all day, to attend a prayer meeting on time.
I attended eight meetings every Sunday. Some may ask how I did it, so I shall tell you. I
attended two prayer meetings before breakfast, attended Sunday School at 9:00 A. M.,
Divine service at 10:00, Sunday School again at 2:00 P. M., Prayer Meeting at 5:30, Divine
Service at 6:00, then wound up with a warm-hearted Prayer Meeting at 8:00 P. M., then home
and my secret prayers before going to bed. I became quite a favorite with the Pastor of
our Church.

He was one of those preachers that sent men to Hell as soon as they died, if they did
not believe as he did. He said if they did not believe in Christ, as soon as they were
dead they would be in Hells torments forever and ever. He also said there were
children in Hell not a span long, and that there was a clock there which said,
"Ever-Never, Ever-Never, Ever-Damnation, Never Salvation. Before the nurse closes
your eyes, before it is said 'Ashes to Ashes - Dust to Dust' you will be lifting your eyes
in Hells Flames", and all such kind of talk. and a great deal more that I do
not wish to repeat.

This was the kind of preaching that I sat under for about ten years while I belonged to
this Church. I was one of the leading singers in the choir, taking the lead of the singing
on week nights, at meetings. I was called upon to pray in prayer meetings, which I did,
there-by thinking by this participation that I was all set to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
I was very much in earnest, thinking there was no religion better than this one to which I
belonged.

At this time I was working in a very large cotton
factory, beaming warps for the
weavers. Here I worked sixteen hours each day. After working three weeks I had to leave,
as the work was too hard and I could not stand it. For this hard work I received not one
penny, as after quitting I never returned to collect my wages. While working here, I
became acquainted with a young girl by the name of Ann Webb, who was the first girl I had
ever courted, and felt myself to be deeply in love with her. I was about sixteen at the
time and courted her for about six months; however, she left England to go to America, and
of course we parted, at which time I felt the urge to kiss her good-by, but did not have
the courage.

When I was about sixteen or eighteen years of age, my father was out of work a great
deal and it so happened that I had work most all the-time. Poor people know very well just
what it means to be out of work - it means to be out of everything, house and food, I was
earning thirteen shillings per week (about $3.12) and this enabled us to just keep the "wolf"
from the door. I gave my mother all of my wages each week, with which she could just pay
the rent, buy us bread, a little bacon, and a pack of potatoes each day. This was all we
had to live on for a family of eight. My wages just kept us from running into debt and
from starving. We lived this way for many months. I once asked my mother to give me
sixpence which is equal to twelve cents, as I wanted a little pocket money, but was told
that I could not have one penny. I thought this very hard at the time, but have learned
since why she could not do so. This has been one of the happiest memories of my life, to
know that I could help out through this difficult time, though it was hard for me, a young
boy, to give all my wages to my mother, I am glad that I did.

The Mormons

When about twenty I was out of work and felt very bad and restless, and could not bring
my mind to settle down. I was desirous of getting married but could not see my way clear.
I was not happy in the religion I professed, and felt miserable and depressed, which made
me very unsettled. About this time my brother James went to hear the Latter-Day-Saints
preach, and was soon baptized into their Church. This made my mother feel very bad at this
time, saying that "Jim" had been baptized into the Mormon Church, that he was
lost, but it was not long until my oldest sister went to hear them and she also was
baptized, then her husband, etc., until all the family had joined but me. I still stuck to
the old religion to which I belonged. I just could not see it at that time, and said if
Mr. Taylor was not right, no one was, and I would not go to hear them. Time passed with my
folks preaching to me for a whole year, but still I refused to go and hear the Mormons.

A Conference of the Mormon Church was to be held in Newport,
Monmouthshire, in Wales,
about thirty miles from Bristol across the Channel. My brothers and I were invited to
attend and furnish the music, as we had four parts, both to play our instruments and to
sing. I decided it would be an outing for me, so I consented to go along. Our passage
being paid, I decided to take my "intended" wife with me.

We started in the morning with the tide and arrived safely in the afternoon. Mr.
William Lodge went with us to sing tenor. We were all very kindly received and were
treated very well. This made a great impression on me, as they seemed to be more united
than any other religion, including the sect to which I belonged.

The following day was Sunday and the commencement of the Conference. We played and sang
the first and second hymns, after which the preaching began. Franklin D. Richards, one of
the twelve Apostles, and Cyrus Wheelock, were on the stand; along with many of the Elders.
The preaching was very different to anything I had ever heard before. They talked about
oxen, wagons, crossing the plains, getting outfits for same, and many other things of a
temporal nature which I thought was not becoming on a Sunday. When the meeting closed they
were all delighted with our music. We met again in the afternoon and evening and had very
good meetings.

After the evening meeting a young girl became very ill and wished to be administered
to. I then saw one of the Elders of the Church take a bottle of oil that had been
consecrated for the healing of the sick, pour some of it on her head and gently smooth it
on with his hand, and at the same time, pray for her restoration to health. After this I
saw two or three Elders lay their hands upon her head and pray for her, at which time she
became better. This was the first time I had ever seen the administration of the laying on
of hands for the sick.

Upon retiring that night, I thought about all the things I had seen and heard that day.
My "intended" was baptized the next day, which made me a little unhappy because
she said nothing to me about it until afterward; however, she felt strongly that she had
done the right thing and wished that I would do the same.

I decided I would go home first and ask my old minister regarding it and find out his
opinion; but I failed to get in touch with him and could not get this new religion off my
mind. Two or three days later, on April 6th, 1849, I was baptized by Elder George Halladay
and confirmed a member of the Church by the same man.

Now what did the old minister say? What did he not say. He said the Mormons were the
scum of Hell and I was lost and would go to Hell. I was everything that was bad because I
had joined that awful sect called Mormons or Latter Day Saints, but he called us Latter
Day Devils and every other thing he could mention.

Some of the Elders told me I must go and preach to him and warn him of his danger, by
preaching the Gospel to him. I went to his house one morning and began talking to him, but
as soon as I started talking he got up, opened the door, and showed me the way out. I
said, "Sir, you must hear it," but he said, "I will not hear
it," and shut the door in my face, and I have never seen him since. That was my first
experience with preaching Mormonism - I was kicked out.

I then went to their choir meeting to talk to the members and tell them about the
Gospel, but they all left me and would not hear a word I had to say. They all left, and
there I stood all alone, having to extinguish the gas, after which I went home alone. I
was looked upon as one of the off-scourings of the earth. I left them and have never seen
any of them since.

I now attended the Latter-Day Saints meetings, being appointed to take charge of the
singing, which I did as long as I remained in England.

Coming to America

About this time I began to think strongly about marrying. I purchased furniture and had
one room already to move into, with which to begin housekeeping, but it was thought best
that I leave England and go to America. I wished to go, as I no longer wished to remain in
England after joining the Saints. I had made up my mind to go alone and send for my wife
later, as I did not have enough money to take both of us, although I did have money for
one. But I loaned my money to a poor woman to pay her rent, as her landlord had put the
bailiffs into her house and would have sold off her goods the next day if the money was
not forthcoming. I loaned her my money and saved her goods. As her husband was away
working, a distance of eighty miles, I did not know when I would get it back, but it came
to me about two days before I started.

The President of the Branch and my folks thought it best for me to marry prior to my
departure and take my wife along with me. They got enough money for her to go, which I was
to pay back to the President's brother upon my arrival in St. Louis in America, which I
later did.

Marriage - Charlotte Burgum

About one week before starting, I was married to Charlotte Burgum. I sold what
furniture I could and gave the rest away. I also had made a small organ at odd times,
which I sold. This helped me with a little more money with which to start.

At the time I was married, my father got up and blessed us and gave us his blessing,
which I appreciated very much.

The night we left I shall never forget. My father was just going up to bed as he had to
go to work very early. He wished me good-by, as he would not see me in the morning, which
was the last time I ever saw him.

(Let me pause to say here, when I was four years of age I was afflicted with that
dreadful disease, smallpox, and as bad as I could be and live. My mother took care of me
all through this time, giving me sheeps turtle tea to drink, which cured me, driving
the pox out, and I recovered. I shall never forget that dreadful time. I mention this
here, as it might be of some value to someone at some future time.)

The "Pig Boat" to Liverpool

Now we were preparing for our journey and were very busy. We were to sail in a dory
steam packet which was used to import pigs known as the "Town of Waxford". There
being no accommodations for passengers, some of us had to go into the hold where the pigs
were kept, and there, eat, drink, and sleep - if we could.

We Latter Day Saints numbered about eight adults and several children. My wife and I
sat up on the deck until night came on and then we did not know where to go. The sea was
getting worse and worse - the water dashing over the sides of the steamer and rolling from
side to side so that we could not stand on deck. My wife, clinging to me every moment, we
now began to really feel what sea-sickness was. As our vessel heaved, we heaved, so I
asked one of the sailors if he would let me have his birth for my poor wife that night, to
which he consented for a half-crown. I paid him and put her to bed, but Oh! what a place.

It was in the forecastle of the steamer and the bed reeked with filth, oil, grease, and
such a horrible stench! This was the place where I had to put my new bride, after having
paid such an outrageous price. I was with her all night holding the slop basin for her, as
she was vomiting constantly and so weak she could not help herself. The vessel was
pitching and the water rolling over us all night long. The size of this bed was, as near
as I could judge in the darkness, (for we had not a light of any kind, only that of the
moon shining in through the doorway) about six feet long, one foot six inches wide, and a
half yard high. All around us were the other berths for the sailors, and they were coming
in and out all night long, which was very unpleasant for us.

As I had occasion to empty the slop basin every little while, I looked over the side of
the vessel by the light of the moon, and saw the turbulent sea with it's green water
rolling and tumbling over the side - a sight I shall never forget. Thus passed the first
night on that old pig boat.

The next morning the weather was no better and it continued bad all that day. I went to
the mate and asked him if he thought we would ever reach Liverpool, and he replied very
seriously, "I hope so, I hope so!" I know that the Lord preserved us and was
with us or we should all have been lost.

John Dallin and his three brothers, Thomas, William, and Robert were also on this boat
- all good members of the Church at that time, starting out for the Valleys and John can
tell you of the dreadful time we had on this old pig boat.

It was now the third day out and by this time the weather was a little better. We were
at the Mombles on the Welsh coast and arrived at Holyhead on the fourth day. This was
considered to be a very dangerous place but we came through safely. My wife was very sick
all the way across.

As we were unable to do any cooking, it was fortunate that we had taken some cold food
along with us, as that was the only thing we had to eat.

We arrived in Liverpool safely after a passage of five days and five nights, and being
total strangers in Liverpool and not knowing a soul, I hired a bed for the night,
paying
one shilling and sixpence. This I could not afford for long, so I went to see if I could
get on the ship and stay until she set sail for America, as we expected to sail right
away, but she did not sail until three days later; however. We were permitted to board
ship, where we stayed until she did sail.

While in Liverpool we had to be on the lookout for sharpers and guard our luggage until
we had it safely secured.

My wife was feeling much better and busied herself arranging our personal belongings in
our berth, trying to make things as comfortable as she could. We had fine weather in the
Channel the first day.

While the men were fixing the spars up in the rigging a heavy spar, about twenty feet
long and six inches through, fell endways, striking the deck with much force that the end
went right on thru, making a four inch hole right through to the berths below. Fortunately
no one was hurt, even though there were hundreds of people on the deck. This was an act of
Providence.

We had fine weather for about four or five days and were able to hold meetings on deck
and administer the sacrament. The second day we had a wedding on deck - a young man by the
name of Walter Savage, the girl I do not remember, both from Sheffield.

Our berths were mid-ship, right under the hatchway. John Dallin and brothers were next
to us, also the newlyweds. We were all together, sharing the cook-house, which was on
deck, by being organized into companies and taking our turn to cook. This proved to be a
very unsatisfactory arrangement as there were so many to cook for, all wanting it done at
the same time; however, we did the best we could in good weather. In bad weather we were
unable to do any cooking at all.

After about a week, bad weather really came on. The ship began to rock and roll and the
waves began to swell, making us all seasick again This is a dreadful feeling - only those
who have had this dreadful feeling could possibly know how terrible it is. I was sick
seven days and my wife was ill most all the time keeping to her bed all during that time.

The ship rolled from side to side, loosening our boxes and causing them to roll also.
We could not stand on our feet. The berths began to give way and some of them came down -
occupants and all. The pots and kettles rolled about the deck, people were vomiting,
children crying, some praying, some singing, and same of the most fearful, moaning,
"We shall all go to the bottom". We were locked down under the deck without any
light and remained in this condition for two days and nights with very little to eat or
drink. The vessel rolled so much that we could get no rest day or night.

On the third day it began to abate, so they unlocked the hatchways and allowed us to
have a little daylight, for which we were all very thankful. We began to clean up our beds
and berths and many other things that did not smell so sweet. We went on deck for a good
wash and some fresh air. I shall never forget that time - seven hundred people all crowded
together in a ship between decks and locked down with no light. This ship rolled and
tossed about like a cork in a wash tub and we were unable to get out as there was no back
door from which to escape. If the vessel had gone down we should all have been smothered
to death before we ever reached the bottom. But I had no fears for we were obeying the
word of the Lord in getting out of Babylon, according to the word of the Lord.

We ran into headwinds after this, which drove us back and off our course several
hundred miles. We tacked ship several times. We held meetings on deck when the weather
would permit, as most of us had overcome our seasickness by now and were beginning to feel
better.

We had two marriages, two births, and two deaths. One old lady about seventy years of
age, died and was thrown into the sea with a piece of iron anchored to her feet. A child
died also, and was buried in the same manner.

We now began to get into the trade winds, making sailing very smooth at about ten knots
per hour. The sea was very rough but it did not hamper our sailing; however, when we
reached the West Indies we were becalmed. The weather was very hot, melting the pitch on
deck, and it poured over our beds. We remained in this condition for almost two weeks, the
sea being as smooth as glass with the ship standing still on the water. Everything was as
still as a little boat on a still pond.

Some of the men wanted to take a swim in the sea and asked permission of the Captain,
who told them they may do so. They asked about sharks infesting the waters at this
latitude but were informed that there were none, after which they let themselves down by a
rope and swam about and around the ship. Soon a large shark was seen coming toward them,
and just as the last man was pulled up out of the water, the shark made a pass at him -
one half minute more and the shark would have had him.

Everyone ran to the side to see the monster which caused the ship to tip badly to that
side.

The Captain told them to leave the shark alone as the crew was going to bate and catch
him, which they did, finding that he was fifteen feet long and as large around as a man's
body, and he had four little pilot fish with him.

There was no more swimming in the sea.

The days were hot and the nights very warm, and lightening very vivid and strong in the
west. I sat upon the deck till late at night watching this lightening, which was one
continuous flame, and I have never seen anything so vivid or so fierce The moon appeared
to shine more brightly here than I have ever seen it on land and the sun was very grand,
seeming to rise and set right out of the water as a great ball of fire. Of course we could
see nothing but water, sky, sun, moon, and stars.

We were now very tired of the calm and impatient to be on our way, so the Elders
assembled below deck and held a council as to what was best to do, as we did not know how
long we might be becalmed. We concluded to ask God in mighty prayer for a wind in order
that we might continue our journey. This we did at night, and the next day there appeared
a catspaw on the water.

At sight of this the Captain gave orders to set sail - all that the ship could carry.
Before they could do so, a wind began to blow, increasing so that we had to take in some
of the sails. We now sailed along like a steam engine, with the wind continually
increasing.

A few days later another storm came on with thunder rolling and lightening flashing,
and the rain came down in torrents. The sea rolled mountains high, and we were again
locked down under the main deck. The Captain thought we would surely go to the bottom and
cried out to his men to come out and work the ship. He stationed men at different ropes
with axes in their hands to cut them away the moment he should give the word to let the
mast go overboard. He thought his ship would be lost, but the Elders told him we were
headed for New Orleans and that we would reach our destination. I was singing "Come
all Ye Sons of Zion", etc. and the mate remarked, "These Damned 'Mormons' would
sing if they knew for sure they were going to the bottom of the sea". I had no fear
at all, though we were in a dangerous condition.

The Elders now again assembled in prayer. I was with them, and we could hardly stay on
our knees, as the ship was rolling so badly, but we asked the Lord to stay the storm. He
heard our prayers and the storm was stayed so that we again saw daylight.

At this time I went up on deck and looking at the sea rolling mountains high, I saw
another ship some little distance away, rolling and pitching as badly as our own. From
this time on we had good weather for the balance of the voyage

We had a young girl aboard who became acquainted with one of the sailors and gave us
some trouble. When we finally docked at New Orleans, she went away with him and I never
saw her after.

My wife was very ill during the entire journey across the sea, catching a severe cold
from which she never completely recovered, and which later was the cause of her death.

We kept a straight course until we sailed into the Gulf of Mexico, and we all began
straining our eyes to see the steamboat which was to come out and tow us into the
harbor
at New Orleans, but that day we looked in vain. The next day we again went up on deck and
looked and looked, and at last we saw something that looked like smoke some miles away,
which proved to be a steamboat that was coming out to meet us. She came at a speed of
about eighty miles, and at last she came along side.

Her Captain asked $200.00 to tow us in, but our Captain felt that this was too much;
however, they at last made a bargain and took us in tow. The only reason our Captain
agreed to this outrageous price was because of a strong headwind, which was blowing at the
time.

We now felt to thank God that we had completed this part of our journey in safety.

Finally we dropped anchor at the mouth of the Mississippi River. I saw a great wave
strike the side of the ship, which traveled much faster than a race horse; however, it did
not injure the ship, but went by without harming us. As it came rolling in, the mate said
to me, "See that wave?" As I answered, it struck the ship, and by the way he
spoke, I am sure he thought the ship would be thrown on her beam end, but the Lord
delivered us, watching over us on the mighty deep.

I spotted a whale some one hundred yards off, which was about sixty or seventy feet
long. The Captain said it was asleep. Porpoises also played around the ship in great
numbers which were about four or five feet long and as large around as a common hog.
Flying fish were also plentiful, as well as sea birds and sharks.

I had organized a choir of singers and we practiced and sang for our meetings. We
remained at the mouth of the Mississippi only one night, being towed up the river the
following morning.

The Americans came to the ship with new bread and fruits and other things to sell,
which we bought, finding it very good.

We arrived in New Orleans in about twenty-four hours after a safe journey. I went to a
store to purchase bread and other provisions, as we were nearly starved, our provisions
having been exhausted after a journey on the water of eight weeks and two days. My wife
improved after we landed, with more rest and nourishing food.

We remained in New Orleans only until we could get passage up the river for St. Louis,
which was about two days. We remained on the ship this time, until the steamboat arrived
which was a large and powerful boat called the "Sultana", accommodations of,
which were very poor, as we had only steerage passage, having to cook, eat and sleep as
best we could.

The crew was made up of very wicked cursing men, who cared nothing for anything good.

The river is about a hundred yards wide, some places being a half mile or more, with
beautiful woods on both sides for miles and miles sometimes cities on it's banks right
down to the river. Every so often wood yards appeared, where the river traffic stopped to
take on wood, as the boats burned wood to get up stream.

The head cook of this boat fell in love with my wife - such a love as it was - who had
to go to the cookhouse for hot water, and he gave her soup and other nice things, so we
fared better than some of the Saints in this respect. We thought he was in fun but found
out that he was in dead earnest. He threatened to shoot me when we reached St. Louis, and
said he would then run off with her. But he did not carry out his plans, as I was too
sharp for him.

St. Louis

We arrived safely in St. Louis in the month of November 1849, about six days journey
from New Orleans. I knew not where to go, as I had little or no money and no house. At
last I found Brother Brain who had come from Bristol the previous year, and he took us to
his house. The next day I found two rooms in the basement of a house, which I rented for
$4.00 per month. My landlord was a Gentile by the name of Mr. Wood.

My wife was very ill now as we had been exposed to cold and privations on the steam
boat. I brought my straw bed off the boat and my small box, which contained all our
effects.

We stayed at Brother Brains that night. The weather was very cold and winter
coming on, getting colder every day.

The following morning I went to my rooms and found them empty. I brought my bed and box
and put them in one of the rooms. I laid the bed on the floor, then brought my sick wife
and put her to bed, then left to find something for her, as I had no stove, no wood or
coal to burn, no light, no money, and nothing to eat, and my wife laying sick on the
floor, unable to help herself. A pretty fix to be in, in a strange land!

The worst of all to me was the fact that my wife was so sick. If she had been well I
would have felt much better - I had no one to help me and not one dollar to my name. I
felt very bad, looking at my wife and knowing that she needed many things which I could
not get for her just then.

There was a fire place in one room, so I went to get some fire wood - where I got it I
cannot tell now; but I made a fire, warming up the room, got something to eat, and a warm
drink, doing the best I could for the night.

My wife felt a little better the next morning, so I went forth without purse or scrip
to see what I could do.

I went to Brother Edward Brain, who was in the baking business, and asked him to let me
have some bread every day until I could get work and then I would pay him, as soon as I
found work.

I did all kinds of work - anything I could get, then I bought a bedstead and sold a
pair of boots which I had brought with me from England, for an old stove. This was a great
blessing to us.

My rent was about due by this time and my wife still being very sick, I did not know
were I would get the $4.00, but just before the due date I managed to get enough money to
pay it. The Lord had opened up the way so I felt more secure for another month.

Phillip Westwood, who lived next door to us and was very kind, loaned us many things
for our house, as we had nothing of our own at this time.

I went to Brother Adams and told him I could get no work, so he told me to go home and
dress up in my best, put a watch in my pocket, and a walking cane in my hand, then go out
and ask for work and he felt sure I could get it.

I followed his advice and obtained work at a sugar factory fitting steam pipes in the
drying house, where the sugar was dried, for which I was paid $8.00 per week, but this job
lasted only about three weeks, so I was out of work again.

I next found work at a foundry for a few weeks. I bought a bedstead and some other
things for our use in the house and began to feel more comfortable.

My wife was feeling much better and could do her own housework now.

I was appointed to lead the choir in the Latter-Day Saints meetings, a place which I
held as long as I stayed in St. Louis. The Mormon meetings were held in Concert Hall on
Market Street each Sunday. I do not recollect being absent from my post but once in the
two years that I remained in St. Louis. (parts of two years - November 1849 to
the spring of 1852 srw)

I was now out of work again, and someone told me to try my luck at selling tea around
the country, so I bought a large quantity of tea, and weighed it up into quarter and half
pounds to peddle around the country. I made just enough to keep us from starving and that
was all, after walking many miles each day, but I had no license so I had to give it up.

My wife and I went to meeting now most every Sunday. Summer was coming and it was
getting very hot. I have seen it as hot in St. Louis in May as it is in Utah in July.

One time I was invited to take dinner with a friend aboard a Steamboat, which was quite
an experience. I had never seen food "bolted" - I believe some of the guests
were not more than four minutes at the table. This waiter came to me with a clean plate
for my pie before I had half finished the main course. Fast eating seemed to be the custom
of the country but I did not understand this and I suppose they thought I was a long time
eating, for I took my time.

I had now been in St. Louis nearly a year (October - November 1850?? srw) but still I had no steady work, yet I lived
and paid my way without running into debt.

Now, again I dressed myself in my very best, (having some very good clothes that I had
brought from England) and went to the Eagle Foundry to ask for work. The boss asked what I
could do, and upon telling him that I could do anything, he told me to come to work the
next morning, which I did, working here for one year at $8.50 per week, and my money was
always ready every week.

I now saved money with which to come to the Valley. The following year provisions were
very cheap, mutton being but five cents per pound, bacon two or three cents, and other
things in proportion.

We now lived well and saved money.

I went to the theater with Brother Westwood, the first I had ever attended. He, myself
and others prepared an entertainment, where I sang the "Star Spangled Banner"
dressed in a sailor uniform. The chorus was sung by six young ladies, three on either side
of me, and the banner floating over the audience.

About this time my brother, James, came from England staying with us for nearly a year,
along with a young man by the name of James Harwood, who now lives in Lehi, Utah.

I now began to prepare to come to the Valley, getting fitted out to cross the plains.
This was a tremendous task for me but I was saving all the money I could to accomplish
this. We were to start the following spring of 1852, this being the winter of 1851.

My wife now had a good deal more to do with an addition of two to our family. They
lived with us most of the winter and then Mr. Harwood found work and left, coming to Utah
the following spring.

On the 8th of January 1852, my wife gave birth to a son, at which time I had
all I could attend to as I could get but very little help, and my wife was a long time
regaining her strength and getting around. She was never very well after.

Crossing the Plains

In the spring (1852 srw) I bought a light wagon and a yoke of cows with which to cross the plains.

We had a very poor passage on this boat, as there was very little comfort for a woman
and a young baby on a steam boat, but we did the best we could. The boat was grounded once
and was in danger of going down stream, but after a while she got off and went along
alright.

We arrived at the Bluffs finally and stayed there for sometime. I found my wagon broken
and that one of my cows had died, leaving me with but one cow to cross the plains.

I was now in a Strange land with no home, no provisions, very little money, a sick
wife, and a three month old baby. Not knowing what to do, I told my circumstances to
Brother Brain, who offered to take us as passengers in his wagon if we could pay
"so" much - I do not remember the amount I paid, but it was all I had after
selling my cow, my wagon, and my outfit, but it was satisfactory with him.

We began our journey on the 9th of June, 1852, from the Missouri river, to
cross the mighty plains with oxen and wagons, taking with us provisions to last about
three or four months.

My brother went with some other teams in another company.

Our company was made up of fifty wagons with one head Captain over all, (Captain
Howell). He then divided us into companies of tens - ten wagons to a company with a
captain over each ten. We were amongst the first ten and took the lead, my family being in
the second wagon.

We traveled about ten or twelve miles the first day, then camped for the night.

There were nine of us sharing Brother Brain's wagon, three women, two men, and four
children, and we were packed in very closely I can assure you.

We arose at dawn, prepared and ate our breakfast after which we rounded up the cattle,
and again were on the move, traveling about fifteen or twenty miles, which was our average
mileage each day.

I had a sick wife and baby to take care of besides taking my turn at standing guard. I
had to cook and wash for my wife, my baby and myself and do camp duties and everything, as
my wife was unable to do anything.

She had no milk for her baby, making it necessary to feed him on cows milk from a
bottle, which was a great trial as we had no cow of our own. I went around camp every
morning to get milk for him.

I also had to drive team and do all camp duties besides.

We held meetings on Sundays and laid over to rest. Sometimes we had a little dance in
the evenings when things went well. This was the first time I had ever seen a Cotillion
danced in all my life, but I soon learned to dance them and also other dances.

I drove an ox team 500 miles and walked all the way with bare feet, through mud holes
and creeks, and waded through rivers, over rough rocks, prickly pears and hot sands - 500
miles barefooted, which made my feet as tough as an ox hoof.

One time I was carrying a young girl through a creek when my foot became stuck in the
mud and down I went in the water - girl and all. We had a good soaking but reached the
opposite bank alright.

One time I went on ahead of the train about a mile, and saw a pack of wolves. I thought
they were dogs until I got nearer to them, then I discovered they were wolves. I tried to
drive them away but they just stood and looked at me until they heard the teams coming,
then they left - one at a time, for which I was very glad. That was the only time I ever
scouted ahead of the wagons.

I was on guard duty one night when a herd of deer rushed by like the wind. As this
particular territory was noted for grizzly bears, I believe they were after the deer
although I did not see them, nor was I anxious to make their acquaintance out there all by
myself in the dark of night.

We now came to a place where the Indians were thought to be troublesome, so that night
we corralled the cattle and put on an extra guard - me. The night was very dark, thunder
rolled, lightening flashed, and the rain poured down in torrents. I tucked my gun under my
poor coat, trying to keep it dry, but my coat failed to keep me or my gun dry that night.
I walked around the wagons outside and listened for any unusual noises, for I could not
see my hand before me. No Indians came that night, for which I was very glad, and I never
shall forget that time. At day break we left the cattle out to feed with a strong guard to
watch them.

One night we camped in a willow patch and had to carry our water from a spring. I went
with two buckets, one in each hand, but the mosquitoes covered both hands and face, and I
had to set my bucket down to brush them off, but they came right back. I had to blow them
out of my mouth until I reached the campfire smoke. There had been a warm rain just before
we had camped, which made them worse.

We burned buffalo chips for firewood to cook with as there was no wood in this region.

My wife was very ill, becoming worse as we traveled, and the baby was a great care and
trouble to her, as she was too weak to wash and dress him. We were in hopes that she would
improve after reaching the Valley, but she did not.

We passed through many trying scenes during this journey, which I will not write at
this time.

Salt Lake City

We arrived at the mouth of Emigration Canyon on the 15th of September, 1852,
a journey of four months. I came on down into the city that day, leaving my wife in the
wagon at the mouth of the canyon, returning that same evening and attended a meeting.

I had a sick wife and a six month old baby and knew not where to go as I was a stranger
and knew no one. I had no wagon, no team, and but 25¢ in money; however, I soon found a
house that had a roof that was open in the top and it was not plastered, which made it
very cold and miserable, out it was the best we could do.

We stayed here about one week but as my wife was unable to care for our son, I found a
woman who was willing to care for him at $1.50 per week, which I paid as soon as I found
work.

I could see that I would have to find better quarters for my wife as she was gradually
getting worse, so I found a house which was owned by Sister Dalton and she consented to
care for her, but she still became worse.

One time Brigham Young came to visit her and administered to her, at which time he
promised her that she would improve and be able to come and have her endowments.

I finally found work on the Public Works and came to see my wife every night and could
see that she was getting weaker. Consumption had set in and she was nothing but skin and
bone. She suffered a great deal and just five weeks after we arrived in Salt Lake City she
passed away - a good Latter-Day Saint and martyr to her religion.

Death of Charlotte Burgum

I felt terrible and cried without ceasing for half a day, until I could cry no more,
but I felt worse - there she lay dead in the midst of strangers and there was I without
one cent of money with which to bury her. I went to the president of public works telling
him of my situation, who let me have $5.00 with which to purchase her burial clothes, and
I got her casket at the public works. One of the carpenters made it and I paid him $9.00.
The sisters made her a very nice robe and other clothing to correspond, and she was laid
away very nicely in the Salt Lake Graveyard.

She passed away on the 22nd of October, 1852, at the age of 23. We had been
married about two years. (18th of August, 1849 to 22nd of October, 1852 = 3
years and 2 months - srw)

It is impossible to describe my feelings at this time for I felt the loss of my wife
very deeply.

I paid Sister Dalton with my wifes clothes for taking care of our boy. I paid
everything I had for his care until I had nothing left. I felt so alone in the world, and
did not stay at Sister Dalton' s place after she passed away.

I worked at the Public works for about three or four years, helping to dig the
foundation for the Salt Lake Temple and cut stone for same. I was present when Brigham
Young broke the ground.

Winter was coming on now and I found a place to board for the winter and paid for it
with work. I had no clothes but what I stood up in, and I needed winter clothing very
badly, but I could not afford to get any, and as the winter was a very hard one, I
suffered very much. Winter set in on the 8th of November and did not let up
until the following spring in April. I had a few bed clothes and a corn husk bed, and a
thin worn out old wagon cover. Many a night I crept into bed almost frozen, the snow being
on it when I retired and I had to shake it off when I got up in the morning. I ate my
meals in the house and slept out of doors in my wagon box at night. Some nights the wind
blew and the snow drifted in on my bed until I thought I should freeze to death. Sometimes
my feet were so cold that I could not get them warm to save me, and I lay in misery all
night. I spent the entire winter in this way.

I did not have enough to eat nor could I keep warm. I got ten pounds of flower each
week, with which I paid for my board and anything else I could get. I earned more but
could not get it, so I lived on bread, potatoes, and crust coffee, and was very glad to
get that . At this time I became acquainted with a young man by the name of John Jones,
who was a musician, and we played for parties, sometimes asking a few dollars in this way
- occasionally we were also furnished our supper, for which I was very glad. This kept me
out late and when I finally went to my lonely wretched bed, I did not know but what I
would freeze to death before morning.

But the Lord was with me and kept me alive and safe through all this. I played for
Brigham Youngs parties at the Social Hall in Salt Lake City, which helped me a
little, but I paid $1.50 per week for the care of my boy whenever I could.

I was one of the first to help start Theatricals in Salt Lake City, being engaged in
the musical department of this Company and it was I who proposed - the name of John T.
Caine as one worthy to join, who made a great addition to it.

I also joined the Nauvoo Brass Band and played with them for nearly four years.

I played a solo Ophecleide, and went into training each year with the Nauvoo Legion,
where I was appointed Drum Major.

Thus passed my first winter in Utah.

In the spring I purchased a city lot located in the 11th ward, which I
wished to fence.

One day I started for Big Cottonwood Canyon along with my brother and Brother Brain to
get fence poles for that purpose. This was in April. After reaching the canyon we went up
the mountain about a half mile to cut timber. We got it down about half way when night
came on, so we set up our tent for the night. After supper we retired, but about midnight
a bad snow storm came up and it thundered and lightninged very badly and the snow came
down so heavy that it broke down our tent on top of us. We broke camp and started for home
in the night. There was now a foot of snow, so we left everything and started back down
the canyon for home. The snow was so deep that we had to make track, which was very hard
work, arriving home about noon the next day.

The storm cleared up after a few days so I went back to get my poles all alone. I went
up the mountain to the same place and began cutting poles again. The clouds began to
gather fast and there all around me, and it began to storm, but I still went on cutting,
until all of a sudden my foot slipped and I fell, hitting my head on a stump which knocked
me out, and there I lay - how long I do not know. When I came to I looked all around for
my ax but could find it nowhere at which I was greatly surprised for I knew it could not
be far a way. I felt very bad about this as I had no money with which to buy another and
axes were worth a great deal at this time. My head ached and I felt very bad, so I decided
to go home and not come any more alone.

I saw a very large eagle circling just above me - bears and wolves were in these parts
but I did not know that, so I went on home.

In a few more days I again went to get my poles, but this time I took my brother with
me. Upon arriving at the same place, there lay my ax right where I had fallen.

I was riding on the running gears this time, and fell on my head in the wheel. My
brother stopped the team at once or my neck would have been broken, for which I am
grateful to the Lord, who has protected me and preserved my life many times.

We got our load of poles this time - after the third try, and fenced my lot so I could
hold it.

I now purchased a wagon box and put it on my lot, living in it all that summer and
cooking for myself with Sister Brain to bake my bread. Thus I lived for nearly a year at
which time, I started to build me a house without one cent of money, nor did I know where
I was going to get any. I worked around from one job to another and finally completed one
room, which was the first house I had ever owned in all my life.

The next year Brother Harte and wife came to live in my house, and she cooked for me
which was a great help.

I went to work on the city wall to work out my taxes and in addition was paid a little
flour. Sugar was forty cents per pound, flour $6.00 per hundred, and all other commodities
in proportion.

I felt very lonely and was desirous of getting a wife, for I could see that I could
live and get along better with a wife in this country.

I became acquainted with a young girl and kept company with her for about six months,
at which time I thought of marriage, but she wanted to be the first wife, asking me to put
her before Charlotte. I told her that she nor any other woman could ever take Charlotte's
place, so we split up. Her mother, Mrs. Barney Royal, kept my boy and cared for him for
quite sometime, for which I paid her. They lived in the 7th Ward in Salt Lake
City and the daughter was named Melissa.

As I played at a good many parties, I met quite a number of young girls. I also met
several at meetings, whom I felt I would like to make my wife, but when I decided on one,
I found that she was already married.

Marriage - Mary Millns

Brother Jones, the man with whom I played, had met and tried to keep company with a
girl by the name of Mary Millns, but did not get very far with
this courtship, so I told him I thought I would try. He said that I could try but he was
certain that I wouldn't get very far because if he couldn't get her, he was sure I
couldn't. Anyway I said I would try, which I did and won her in about three weeks, after
which we were married by Bishop Lytle of the 11th ward in Salt Lake City, on
the 7th day of January, 1854.

I took her to my little house that same night, where we had very little with which to
begin housekeeping. I had no bed, no stove, and no cooking utensils with which to cook,
but a frying pan. We also had two tin plates, an old bedstead, some bed clothes, a big
factory sack with a few corn shucks in it for a mattress, two three-legged stools, one
fork, one knife, and one spoon. I think this was all of our earthly possessions. We had to
borrow a bake kettle for two years before we could get one of our own, for which I gave
ten dollars, and was glad to get it.

I pitched into work and soon got some more things around getting a good-bed and other
things. We had to work very hard and lived hard.

I worked at the public works for about four years, and in the meantime made adobes,
walking about three miles each day with nothing but dry bread to eat, and earned $5.00 per
day.

1854 the Grasshoppers

During the year of 1854, the grasshoppers came and devoured all the crops, eating every
green thing. They took every bit of the wheat, so that we had no crop that year.

This was very trying times for everyone in the valley. I knew not what to do as I could
get nothing to eat for work and I had no money with which to buy - even if we had had
money very few people had anything to sell. Things got worse and worse. People had to dig
roots for something to eat, finding anything they could to live on.

My wife was nursing her first baby at this time and she went from house to house to get
a meal, anything she could, in order to live. The baby drew blood from the breast
sometimes instead of milk.

I went twenty miles one day to try and get something to eat. but all I got was a
boiling of potatoes and a candle.

I went from house to house, asking for something to eat but could not get much as
people did not have anything to give. I sometimes got a drink of buttermilk and a piece of
hard bread.

I went to the house of Brother Lorenzo D. Young one time, as I was very hungry. I asked
for something to eat and his wife gave me a piece of salt rising bread, which I ate and it
was sweeter than any sponge cake I had ever eaten in all my life. I never shall forget
that piece of bread nor the woman who gave it to me, and I say God bless her forever.

Another time I went fourteen miles and got three pounds of shorts.

One time I got some bran and we sifted it to make a cake and that was very good. When
the cake was gone I still had the siftings, so I mixed them up with water, but could not
make them stick, so I put them into the frying pan and tried to bake it into a cake but it
would not stick, so I browned it as well as I could and tried to eat it but I could not go
it - it was like chalk, so I had to give up.

My wife went to President Kimball to get some flour, as he was giving some to the poor
at this time. He gave her seven pounds and she made some cakes and cooked them in the
frying pan and I tell you they were good.

We gathered greens, pig weeds, and beet tops - anything we could get that was edible
and lived on the best we could find.

One time we were seven days without flour in our house, living on greens and anything
we could get.

The next year a light crop was raised and we milled a little flour from time to time
and got along a little better. I went to work and put up another room to my house.

In 1854 my mother, my brother Martin and wife, and my sister Amelia came to the Valley,
staying with us at our house for a year.

My brother was very ill and died about three weeks after his arrival in the Valley and
was buried in the Salt Lake Graveyard. Soon after this, his wife was taken very ill, and
thinking she was going to die, wished to be sealed to her husband. I went to Brigham Young
and told him of this, so he sent President I. Grant to attend to it, who sealed her dead
husband to her thru me, I standing proxy for him.

About three months later she was delivered of a son, the son of my brother, Martin, her
dead husband.

She lived in our home for about seven months from the time she came to the Valley. She
then left - married another man, apostatized from the Church, and went to California to
live and I have not seen her since. Her son is still living, being named after his father,
Martin Weight. (This man was the first mayor of the City of Pasadena in California).

In the year of 1856, I, with my family, left Salt Lake City to come to Springville,
some 56 miles south, where we made our home. I, having a wife, one child, and a few things
with which to keep house, but no team, no money, and no place of my own, went to live with
Walter Savage and his wife - all in one house.

We lived here for about six weeks, then I purchased a half lot from Bishop Aaron
Johnson, then bishop of Springville, for which I paid with hard work, then built a
dugout
in which to live, completing same in eight days, and moved my family into it.

We lived here for one year, then I built an adobe house of one room with a dirt roof.
When it rained we had to hold an umbrella over us when we went to bed to keep the rain
off. The floor was as wet inside of the house as the street outside. We have been in this
fix many times. (I should have said we arrived in Springville on the 3rd of November,
1856.)

I was appointed choir leader of the Springville branch in the same month, which office
I have held for twenty-five years. I have sung thousands and
thousands of hymns and tunes and taught them to others. I have attended thousands of
funerals and have sung hymns and anthems to hundreds of them. I had to work for a living
all this time, attending to my duties in the Church as well, without any pay.

I took up my plastering tools and went to work at that trade, having worked at it for
more than twenty-six years. I have plastered hundreds of houses in Springville and
surrounding places. I worked on the public roads, made water ditches in the canyons and
fields and other places helped to build meeting houses, paying taxes for same, also school
houses and all public improvements. I have done as much as any one man, in helping to
build Springville. I was here during the great move of the Mormons from Salt Lake City in
the year 1858, when the U. S. Army came into the Valley, and the Mormons fled from their
homes to southern settlements for refuge and safety.

About the year of 1861 or 1862 the creek called Hobble Creek
rose-very high, washing away it's banks, causing great destruction of city lots, and
destroying a great deal of property.

A great log was placed across from one bank to the other - the only means of crossing
over from one side to the other. I had to cross it one night, in order to get home. I was
very frightened but if I returned home I must cross over this log. The water was boiling
in torrents below and I knew if I fell in it meant certain death. The moon was shining on
the water, which dazzled my eyes, making me afraid to venture. I was all alone at about
11:00 at night, so I started and by the help of God I reached the opposite shore and home
safely. It was about forty feet across and an experience I shall never forget.

I passed through all the scenes of the reformation in Springville about the year 1856,
having seen many things take place here - some good, some not so good. I always have tried
to mind my own business and find that it is the best policy.

I worked along from day to day and made a living the best way I could. I now built a
house on a lot that I had purchased east of the city, and set out an orchard. I now raised
my own garden and potatoes and other things, which I found to be of great help to us as a
family.

I also bought another city lot and sold it to Mr. Walter Wheeler for 11 acres of land
on what is now called Dry Creek in the West fields.

I worked on the ditch of the Big Pasture to help fence it and cut hay there for my cow.

I now needed a team very badly, but I had nothing with which to get one. I could get
very little money for my work, so I went down south to plaster a large house for a Mr. N.
Taylor, working about six or seven weeks for which I was paid with a span of mules,
bringing them home with me, I then got an old wagon, a few farming tools, and went to work
on my own land with my boys, to raise my own bread and potatoes which made things a little
better for my family and me.

Polygamy

In the year of 1865, I entered into the principle of Polygamy and took another wife
according to my belief in the religion that I embraced - Elizabeth
Bocock by name, a very good woman, and one with whom I have lived happily ever since.
Although there are many things in this double life to put up with, which is not so
pleasant. Yet I believe it to be a commandment of God, so I obeyed and tried to do the
best I could.

I have suffered many thins for my religion and do not expect to gain Exaltation in the
Kingdom of God without suffering, for we are told that it is through suffering that we are
made perfect. And here let me say that all who do not enter into this principle cannot
have exaltation among the Gods. Much more could be said on this subject, but I will pass
on to scenes of my life.

My two families lived on the same lot in separate houses tor over six years. I then
bought a place on the east bench of the City, about seven acres of land, and built a
house, then moved my second wife and children into it. It was about a mile and a quarter
from one house to the other, and I stayed with my families week about, for seventeen
years, making some 6,000 miles of walking in that time.

During the Indian troubles of this country, I have stood guard day and night without
one cent of pay. I have been out in all kinds of weather with my gun, not knowing but that
the Indians would be upon us any minute.

One night I was appointed Captain of the Guard, being told to make fires for a signal
if the Indians came, to alarm the City, but we did not see any.

I went out one day to help guard the cow herd with my gun, returning safely that night.

We went to the canyons for wood to burn, in companies well armed, and I went to Provo
many a time to drill being away three days every year, in order to learn how to defend
ourselves and families against the Redman or any other foe.

One year later we buried another boy
age ten - a fine boy for his age. This brought back the old feeling again, making us very
sad, never-the-less we had to say "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, and
blessed be the name of the Lord". They are all buried in the Springville City
Cemetery.

I shall never forget the feelings I had upon returning home from the funeral, not
seeing them around the house nor outside as I had been used to. Oh! I cannot describe the
feelings I had, nor can anyone but those who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

As soon as I returned home I went straight to bed as I was very ill with a light attack
of Diphtheria, and was about a week recovering from this illness.

At this time I was destitute for money, so much so that I made the coffins in which my
children were buried, trimming them with white inside and out.

They were buried on the 14th of February, 1879.

Our son Wallace, age 10 was buried on the 5th of February, 1880.

After our great loss, I worked very hard at plastering and any other work I could get,
but with a very heavy heart. I felt bowed down to the very earth, yet I kept it bottled up
within me - grieving in silence, and prayed to the Lord to give me strength to bear all
that might come, as I was passing through many trials at that time both in poverty as well
as family affairs. I had no peace within me night or day, many times walking the streets
all night crying and praying to the Lord to comfort me in my distress.

At this time I could write a volume regarding the troubles and trials that I passed
through with my wife Mary, for we did not live happily for
more than twenty-one years of our married life, however, I forebear to write about it,
except for one or two things which I shall just mention.

She had me up before the teachers about six times; and once in the days of Bishop
Bringhurst, she asked for a divorce, saying that she would no longer live with me. But I
passed this off, taking no notice of these threats.

She made the statement that she would not obey my counsel nor would she live with me in
eternity, and many other things, which brought on an alienation of feeling, making our
lives very miserable - the thousandth part of which I do not wish to write. Thus we lived
for years, with feelings getting no better as time went on.

About this time I had a very severe pain over my right eye, it being so bad that I
could get no rest day or night. The place was about as large as the ball of my thumb and I
have never had any bodily pain as severe as this in all my life. I tried everything I
could think of for relief, but nothing did any good and I thought I could surely die of
pain several times; however, the Lord came to my rescue at last. My wife Elizabeth did
everything she could for me during this time, which I shall never forget.

On the 25th of March, 1880, our youngest son, whom we named Ralph was born.
This was very hard for us because of our poverty, as I knew not where to turn to earn a
dollar. I prayed to the Lord, who opened the way. My wife was sick and I was sick and
unable to work and we had no money, which was a most trying time for us.

I have found in my experience during my lifetime, that there are three very great
trials, which tried me to the very core, namely Sickness, Poverty, and Polygamy, and I
went through all three at the same time; however, in spite of all this, I have remained
true to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and faithfully attended my duties
in same. I have been a teacher in the Springville Sunday School from it's very beginning,
being the oldest member in it up to the present time - about 25 years, and am proud to say
that I am still a member and hope to be as long as I live.

I went to work for Bishop Johnson, plastering. While working on a scaffold one time
about 12 feet high, it gave way, causing me to fall to the ground. A heavy two-inch plank
landed on my back and I thought surely it was broken. I was taken home in a wagon, where I
was laid up for about a month, suffering severe pain all this time.

Another time, while working on the Springville Theatre on a scaffold about 15 feet
high, it also gave way and again I fell to the ground, injuring me very badly this time,
much worse then before. I was unable to work for quite sometime after this fall.

I have had many narrow escapes during my life, but by the mercy of God, I have been
brought through safely with my life being spared.

Sometime after this, while I was stricken with very severe pain in my right side and
could find nothing with which to relieve it, suffering night and day. I took morphine to
ease the pain, but as soon as it wore off the pain returned, causing me to walk the floor
night and day - still no relief. I then took Laudanum to deaden the pain, but as soon as
the effect of this wore off the pain still returned. Thus I suffered for two or three
weeks, and I thought this time I must surely die. Finally my side broke out in red spots
resembling boils, which eased the pain and I began to feel better; thus my life was saved.
This was a great affliction to me, and one I shall never forget.

Edmunds Law Arrest

Soon after this, the Edmunds Law (or Manifesto as it was also called) was passed, and
of course, I came under this, expecting to be arrested at any time. Sure enough, about
5:00 A.M.. on the 26th day of April, 1887,
two marshalls appeared at my door to arrest and take me to Provo. This frightened my wife
Elizabeth very much, upon being informed of their identity and purpose of this visit.

It so happened that I was away at this time, as I had gone to Salt Lake City on
business. My wife told them this, but they searched every nook and corner of my home to
try and find me.

She sent me a letter at once to tell me of this after a which I came home immediately,
and did all I could, but they were after every man they could find who had more than one
wife.

The following 12th of November I was arrested and taken to Provo, being
bound over in the sum of $1,000.00 to await the action of the grand jury. My trial was to
come off the following February.

My wife Elizabeth was arrested soon after, being
placed under a $300.00 bond to appear against me as a witness, as was my son George, also
a Mrs. Oakley. This was a very trying time for me as well as for Elizabeth and famlly.

Not one of Mary's family or Mary came near to comfort me or offer to do anything for
me. NO! Not one word! This made me feel very bad and I took their silence very hard at the
time, but I pass it by.

My trial was postponed until the 10th of March, 1888, at which time I pled
guilty, then my sentence was set for the 24th .

On the 19th my son Eugene, age 11 years, was taken very ill with a disease
called peritonitis and he became worse
and worse, even though we were doing everything we could for him, so we called Dr. Pike to
see him, but he gave us little or no hope that he would recover. We were up night and day,
but in spite of all we did for him he passed away on the 7th of April.

Before this I went to Provo to court, to receive my sentence, right at the time he was
the very worst - he was dying when I left.

I shall never forget how hard it was for me to tear myself away from my dying boy to go
to prison, never expecting to see him again in this life. I left on the morning of the 24th
of March, 1888, at which time a dreadful storm had arisen.

I looked at my dying boy, my weeping wife, and my children and could not hold back the
tears of bitter anguish which I felt. My son George had the team
ready for me, and giving last look at my family, I went out into the storm, and we got a
good wetting.

Before I left, Brother John Tuckett arrived, coming up through the storm to see me and
gave a few dollars, which was very acceptable, for not having one dollar of my own.
Brother Edward Child also loaned me $5.00, also Bishop Packard, to take with me to the
pen, with which to buy milk and other supplies upon my arrival in Provo.

The marshall took charge of us in Provo, and when my name was called, I went up to
receive my sentence, which was that I would be confined to the penitentary for 60 days.

I was then marched into an upper room with the other prisoners, numbering 18 or 20,
where the authorities took a description of every man, such as color of hair and eyes,
height, weight, age, and duration of sentence - everything they thought necessary.

We were then marched down to the train to be taken to the penitentiary in Salt Lake
City; but to my surprise an order had come from Judge Henderson for my release - I was to
be let off with a fine of $100.00 which I was to pay instead of going to the pen.

How did all this come about? I will now tell how the Hand of the Lord was in all this:

Brother James E. Hall had been working on my case for two or three weeks prior to this
time, and had talked with the Judge who had tried my case telling him of my circumstances
which caused him to pronounce a lighter sentence.

Others also interceded for me.

After the trial Judge Dusenberry of Provo said to Judge Henderson "I am well
satisfied with all that has been done today, except one thing."

"What is that?" asked Judge H.

"I think it is too bad that old man (meaning me) has to go to prison."

"What was I to do?" asked Judge H. "He can't pay his fine. Has he any
friends?"

"Yes,"said Judge D. " I am his friend."

"Well, will you go his security?" asked Judge H.

"Yes, I will." said Judge D.

"Then," said the Judge, "I will let him off with a $100.00 fine."

"Write the order at once and I will fetch him back from the train."

Judge Dusenberry then phoned to hold the train until he could get there, but the
Conductor said he could not hold the train any longer. Just as it was ready to pull out
the judge arrived and gave the order to the marshal in charge. A voice then called out to
me to bring my carpet bag and get off, which I was not long in obeying.

James E. Hall had taken up a collection from the people of Springville and raised money
for my fine in less than half a day, and I was a free man once more.

It was by the mercy of God that I got off so well. I had been asked to obey the law of
the land and by doing so, things would be alright, but I told them I would make no
promises, and I did not after which I was 1et off wlth a fine. Brother Will Wiscombe,
Brother Clements, and Brother Manwaring came to my house before I went to Provo to receive
my sentence, administered to my boy and at the same time gave me a blessing. Brother
Wiseombe felt that I would not have to go to the pen, and so it was - the Hand of the Lord
being with me and gulding me through this trial, even tho those of my family who should
have been true to me failed me -- yet the Lord raised up friends to help me that I did not
know of, and I thank Him for it.

I returned home the same night, on the 27th of March, at which time I found
my boy gradually getting weaker. My wife was very glad of my return but greatly surprised
that I should come home so soon. I told her of my release and together we thanked God, for
we could see the working of His hand in bringing all this about.

Here let me say that I heartily thank all of my friends who stood by me at this time.

I now gave all my time to my sick boy. I had no money with which to help my family as I
paid back the money that had been loaned to me when I returned home. My boy now began to
mortify and we knew that he could not last much longer. He was in great pain until the
end, which was on the 1st day of April, at which
time our neighbors washed and prepared him for burial.

I made his casket myself as I had no money with which to buy one which was a very hard
thing for me to do. He is buried in the Springville City Cemetery.

On the 24th of July, 1887 an advertisement
appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune for my wife and her two sisters to communicate with
Lawyers Barrow and Smith, in England, regarding a little property which had been left to
them from their brothers estate.

He had passed away of a heart ailment, having been found dead in his bed and as he made
no will, his property was to go to his brothers and sisters.

This was a great blessing to us when we finally received it, although we did not get it
for more than a year. My wife wrote to England many times, but finally it came and we went
to Salt Lake City and drew it at the Bank.

As soon as she received it she paid a full tithing on every cent of it. We were very
thankful for this to God our Father, as we were able to pay off all our debts and had a
little to spare to help us out of our extreme poverty. We had never in all our lives felt
more thankful and humble.

While raising her family, Elizabeth did not get to meeting only about twice in six
years, and at another time for four years.

About this time it was our desire to go to the Temple to do work for the dead; but
everything seemed to work against us to prevent our going.

We owned a cow that we had planned to sell to raise money for this, but that failed us,
as one night about 10:00 she fell with her head in the manger and broke her neck. We got
to her just in time to see her take her last breath. That was $30.00 lost in a few
minutes.

Many other things worked against us - one trouble after another, to stop us: but at
last we finally started on our journey, arriving at the Logan
Temple.

I was baptized for nine souls and took out endowments for three, my wife being baptized
for fifteen and had endowments for three. We had a very enjoyable time, receiving
blessings for ourselves as well as for our dead. Here I will say that our Temple is one of
the best places I know of on earth to go, and is a great blessing to be permitted to do
work for our dead, thereby gaining blessings for ourselves.

I now gave Elizabeth the deeds to her house, lot, and farming land in the year 1877,
also in 1882 she received clear title to them from the first parties.

I held the deed to the property I had promised to give to Mary, for several years, as I
was afraid she would sell it; however, her relatives harrassed me so, that I finally gave
her all my property, retaining nothing for myself except my organ, which I had made and
wanted to keep. After we parted however, I asked her for it but she said I should not have
it, that she would take an ax and chop it up first, so I never did get it.

When she heard about Elizabeth's money she demanded $1,000.00, saying she would give me
a divorce for it. My son Fredrick, also demanded this for his
mother, but the money was not mine to give - a most unreasonable demand, for she knew that
I had nothing with which to help myself.

Then I told her that I could not comply, she said she would take $500,00, which was
still beyond my means as I had nothing of my own. Finally Elizabeth agreed to give her
$300.00 through me, to which she agreed, and we settled it.

While we were at the Temple, Mary applied to her lawyer for a bill of divorce. On the 7th
of November, 1889, I went to Salt Lake City and paid her the money in gold, getting her
receipt for same, and she obtained the divorce that day from the District Court.

Although my wife Elizabeth had been my wife according to the 'Law of God for nearly 25
years, she was not recognized by the Law of the Land, so we went the next day and were
married by Justice Brown according to the Law of the Land, at Provo, on New Years
Day 1890. I being ill with the lagrippe, was sick for a week or more.

ln the fall of this same year, we again went to the Temple to continue our work for the
dead, at which time, I was baptized for thirty, receiving endowments for three, and
Elizabeth was baptized for nineteen and received endowments for three.

In 1891 we again went, this time to the Manti Temple, where I was
baptized for my brother Alfred, who had passed away on the 30th of November
1890 in England, at the age of 64, and was also baptized for 23 others.

Alfred had worked at the Reading Iron Works for 35 years and at his death had left a
wife and large family. My wife was baptized for 18.

Again in 1892, I was endowed for 8 and baptized
for 19. I was also baptized for my friend Mr. William Lodge, and my wife for his wife.

My brother James died on the 13th of May, 1889 at the Holy Cross Hospital in
Salt Lake City, due to a fall at which time he hurt his head. He had suffered with a very
bad leg for over 40 years and one month prior to his death he had it amputated.

My Wife and I went to General Conference of the Church in 1892 and witnessed the laying
of the cap-stone of the Salt Lake Temple by electricity - President Woodruff touched a
button and the stone swung into place.

I would judge that about 20,000 people were present at this time. It was a grand sight
to see, the people cried Hosanna, Hosanna to God and the Lamb, led by Lorenzo Snow, waving
handkerchiefs in the air at the same time - a scene I shall never forget.

In the year of 1892, all the Relief Societies of the Church celebrated the 17th
of March, in honor of the first Relief Society organized by Joseph Smith on the 17th
day of March, 1842.

The Springville Relief Society had a metal box made for the purpose of placing sketches
of the lives of any one who wished to do so.

So I had photos taken of me and my wife and put them in, along with sketches of our
lives, the box is not to be opened for 50 years. The box is to be handed down from one
generation to another until the time comes to have it opened.

We directed our portion of the contents to our youngest child, who, if he lives, will
be about 60 years of age, also to our grandsons, in order that some of them will be alive
at that time. I have no doubt but that we shall have passed away years before that day,
but they and their children will then read of the lives of their forefathers and also see
their pictures, if they live so long.

Our son, Ralph B. Weight, played the organ in Sunday School, which was held at the 1st
Ward Meetinghouse of Springville on the 2nd of April, 1893, at the age of 11
years, and played at a public concert for the first time on the 7th of May,
1894. He also played at Mapleton in Sunday School and Meeting on the 17th of
June, 1894.

Six of my sons and grandsons play in the Martial Band and have their uniforms, all of
them being very fond of music.

My son George was married on the 14th of December, 1892 to Hannah Lenora
Childs in the Manti Temple, he being 24 years of age and she age 18.

The year of 1893, my wife, my son Ralph, and I went to the dedication of the Salt Lake
Temple on the 14th of April. We had a very enjoyable time, one of the best we ever had in
all our lives. The Temple is a very beautiful place, now that it is completed, which took
40 years from the time construction began to it's completion.

We have worked in three temples, Logan, Manti, and Salt Lake for both the living and
the dead, for which I am very thankful.

In 1892, Springville was divided into four Wards, with a Bishop appointed to preside
over each. The Relief Society was also organized in each ward on the 11th of
May, with my wife being appointed as president of the First Ward Relief Society, having
held that office up to the year 1896, and is still serving, holding 24 meetings each year,
as well as board meetings.

I have attended most of the meetings with her and played the organ for most of them.
She has assisted the poor, gathering Christmas donations for them, and has comforted the
hearts of the sick and the poor many a time. It is a great work and there is much more
work to it than I had any idea of before I became acquainted with it.

In 1893, I made a dulcimer for my boy
Claude to play at dances, and a violin-cello for Ralph. They played at a public dance in
January 1895, with their two brothers, Alfred and George, their instruments being first
violin, piccolo, dulcimer and bass, which made a very good combination and good music.

In 1894, I made another dulcimer I also made toy wagons for the children and sold them
in the stores for fifty cents each.

I have a turning lathe and a few tools, with which I have made most all of my furniture
used in my house over the years, and many other things which I have found to be very
useful and a great saving of money to me and my family.

I have made all kinds of things for my own use and have done
all kinds of work in my day, being an errand boy in my younger days, have tended mason,
made adobes, built my own houses, laying the foundations, the adobes, and finished the
wood work, put on the shingles, plastered, whitewashed, and painted everything both inside
and out, and finished it all myself.

I have worked at gardening, farming, and have worked on roads in the canyons, water
ditches, and have helped build meetinghouses and school houses, grubbed oak brush off the
land, and worked at plastering in Springville for about 15 years, and many other things.

Quoting from "Memories That Live", Centennial History of Utah County,
compiled by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers:

"Fredrick Weight led the choir for many years. Don Carlos Johnson says of Mr.
Weight - 'Fredrick Weight has been one of the most useful citizens of our little
commonwealth, as laborer and chorister. Not only did he find time aside from his labors as
plasterer to make and repair musical instruments, but also gave instructions in the
musical art during the early years of the settlement's growth (meaning Springville). For
many years he was chorister and brought the choir, through most indefatigable labors, to a
high state of proficiency.

For years he presided at the organ under the leadership of Chorister Harrison. He
arrived in Springville in 1856 and became a permanent resident.

In November of 1856 he was appointed a teacher in the Sunday School and Choir Leader by
Bishop Johnson, which positions he held for twenty-four years.

In 1865 he was appointed drum major by Col. William Bromley, and was one of the Home
Guard during the Indian Wars of 1866-67.

He was familiarly known as "The Old Chorister", a name given him by the late
President Cannon. He helped to start the Theatrical in Salt Lake City and was engaged in
the musical department of the Company.

He was always proud of the fact that it was he who proposed the name of John T. Caine
as one worthy to join the Company, who made a great addition to it.

He wrote, "I also joined the Old Nauvoo Brass Band and played with them nearly
four years. I played the Solo Ophicleide, (musical instrument of the horn class) and went
training once a year with the Nauvoo Legion.

I was a member of the Tabernacle Choir under James Smithies; and in Ballou's famous
Pioneer Orchestra, I played the cello. I was appointed drum Major by Captain Bromley, in
the Utah Militia and performed home guard duty in the Indian War of 1866-67".

When Springville was divided into four wards in 1892, the First Ward Relief Society was
organized and Elizabeth Weight, Fredrick's wife, was appointed president. He attended most
of the meetings with her, playing the organ for the singing. They were a familiar sight,
driving their buggy and grey horse, "Old Simon" from the East Bench to Church.
He sang and played at many funerals also, especially those held in the Old White Meetinghouse.

In 1893 he made a dulcimer for his son Claude to play at dances and a violin-cello for
his son Ralph. They played at a public dance in January of 1895, with their two older
brothers, Alfred and George. Their instruments were: First violin, piccolo, dulcimer, and
bass, which made very good music.

During his lifetime he made many musical instruments, making and selling three organs,
also one guitar, a double bass, and several small violins.

Mr. Weight and family attended the Salt Lake Jubilee the 24th of July, 1887.
Their four sons, Alfred, George, Claude, and Ralph (who was very young at the time)
belonged to "The Fife and Drum Corps", who were then playing in the parade.
Their Uncle Joseph Weight was the drum major.

Quoting from biography by Fredricks granddaughter, May Weight Johnson, daughter
of Joseph:

Fredrick vas organist and choir leader in Springville for more than 45 years, from the
time he arrived until he died. Every man hath some gift of God - Grandpa's was music. It
showed in every part of him, for it lived in his soul.

I remember him directing the singing in the Old White Meetinghouse, standing straight
as a soldier and singing in full voice as he waved his baton in rhythm with the music. No
force compelled him to disbelieve the voice of song within him. Everyone loved the way he
played the organ. He seemed to be commissioned and inspired.

Seated at his organ,

His gift of playing rent,

Music Magnificent

In tune with the infinite

Although the organ is silent

and his voice is still,

his music lingers with us

as if it were his will.

Through the windows of music, we shall continue to see the beauties of an art Grandpa
loved.

It lives in the scattering of musical talent among his descendants. We are proud of our
musical heritage. Fredrick was always proud of his sons, who did as their father and his
brothers used to do. They had a full orchestra and band among themselves.

The Weight Brothers were in demand for every kind of entertainment and played in the
Springville Brass Band for many years. They went the counties over to play at dances,
parades, programs, weddings, church and everywhere when needed.

It is interesting to hear and see the descendants of Fredrick Weight furthering music
in such proportion and quality. They shall continue to be honored in this generation and
the glory of good music shall live forever.

Fredrick was respected for his sincere honesty, his faithfulness to duty as a citizen,
his devotion to the music he made and helped others to make. He was proud of his name and
a worthy credit to his posterity. "He never sought in vain but sought the Lord
aright".

He prayed in his distress,

Also in his need;

He also prayed in the fullness of joy.

Fredrick Weight found in life, that there is no royal road to anything and that all
things come in succession - and that truth and right endure.

Fredrick passed away at his home in Springville on the 15th day of December, 1901, and
lies in the City Cemetery at Springville, Utah.

In closing his own story which he wrote over sixty years ago (from when this
autobiography was published) he said "We desire to be humble and faithful, doing good
for the living and the dead, unto the end of our days; and desire that our children and
their generations after them, shall walk in the ways of the Lord and continue the grand
and glorious work for the dead, which we have commenced".